BALTIMORE, MD (March 17, 2026) |
Securityplus Federal Credit Union partnered with United Way of Central Maryland to celebrate Read Across America by volunteering at Norwood Elementary School on March 5, 2026. The event brought together
community volunteers and students to highlight the importance of literacy, creativity, and imagination in early education.
Securityplus team members joined students in the classroom to read “More Than Peach” by Bellen Woodard, a children’s book that uses crayons as a metaphor to promote inclusivity,
empowerment, and the celebration of diverse perspectives. Following the reading, volunteers led an interactive activity where students used their creativity to design their own crayon color, give it a unique name, and write a sentence explaining why they chose that color and what it represents.
The activity encouraged students to think creatively while reinforcing the message that every individual brings something valuable and unique to the world.
Norwood Elementary School serves more than 500 students from pre-kindergarten through third grade, and events like Read Across America provide meaningful opportunities for students to develop a love for reading while engaging with community role models.
The Read Across America program, launched in 1998, is a nationwide initiative designed to motivate children to read and promote literacy through community partnerships with schools and organizations.
Securityplus volunteers who participated in the event included Jeff Gehris; Tymeshia Alleyne; Atia Ross; Priscilla Mumford; Mitch Kempisty; and Yeshimebet Gutema. Together with United Way representatives and educators at Norwood Elementary School, the group spent time reading with students, sharing stories, and encouraging curiosity and self-expression.
“Participating in Read Across America and engaging with students at Norwood Elementary School was a meaningful opportunity for Securityplus to connect with our community and celebrate the power of reading and imagination with young learners,” said Jeff Gehris, EVP, Chief Strategy & Experience Officer of Securityplus Federal Credit Union. “Investing time with students today helps inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning that will benefit them, and our community, for years to come.”
Events like this reflect Securityplus Federal Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves through volunteerism, partnership, and meaningful engagement.
Beyond promoting literacy, the event also reinforced the importance of empowering young students to express themselves and celebrate their individuality. By creating their own crayon colors and sharing the stories behind them, students were encouraged to see their ideas and voices as valuable.
“We encourage others throughout our community to join us in supporting literacy by volunteering their time to read with students and help inspire the next generation of learners.”
Securityplus Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and community partnerships that foster opportunity, creativity, and growth for young learners throughout the region.
Community members interested in supporting literacy and youth development initiatives can learn more about volunteer opportunities through the United Way of Central Maryland.
To get involved and volunteer, visit: https://uwcm.org/get-involved/volunteer/
